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What Are Venetian Masks?

Venetian masks were
worn during the medieval times in the Republic of Venice in Italy. Worn mostly
during the Carnival of Venice, these masks were used during several occasions to
hide the wearer’s identity and social status. During the repressed and
religiously strict times in medieval Italy, people found a way to find freedom
by hiding behind colorful masks. Interacting with
different members of society was made possible due to the anonymity these masks
offered. The rich could mingle with the poor and vice versa, with no judgments
being made on anyone’s behavior given the lack of identity.

The Venetian
masks thus unwittingly became tools for mischief, and people engaged in illicit,
criminal, and immoral activities. For others who were less rebellious or
adventurous, the masks allowed for the development of personality and romantic
encounters.

Of these masks, the Bauta mask was an important political
tool whose use was allowed by the Republic of Venice and regulated by its police
in medieval times. Only citizens of Venice were allowed to use the mask while
representing themselves in decision-making meetings. It was noticed that these
masks allowed both top and low ranking citizens to freely express themselves in
meetings. This was not the case earlier, when a person expressing his free
opinion was targeted by others and sometimes even killed. As a result, it was
officially declared that wearing these masks were a necessity in order to
participate in meetings.

Other than the Bauta mask, the other masks were
not approved for public use. However, encouraged by the official grant for the
Bauta mask, people continued to use masks during the day and behaved in ways in
which they normally would not. This led to a lot of free and unrepressed
behavior and even though Venice was a republic, the Catholic Church that was
behind the government in all aspects decided to ban these masks. After several
unsuccessful bans, the Catholic Church decided to allow the use of masks during
the three-month period after Christmas until Strove Tuesday. This time is known
as Carnivale, or a period when meat is removed from one’s diet. Today it is
known popularly among Christians as Lent.

The core aspect of Venetian
masks is their ornate design, the use of bright colors, precious metals such as
gold or silver and complex decorations in the baroque style. You’ll find
full-face masks that belong to the Bauta style, or masks that cover only the eye
such as the Columbina style. Each style gave birth to many different kinds of
masks that are popular to this day in carnivals across the world, notably Mardi
gras.

Today these masks are used only during carnivals or during
masquerade balls and parties. Even today, these masks allow people to mingle
freely and let go of their inhibitions and prejudices and embrace their true
selves openly. It’s easier to appear in public clothed minimally when you’re
hidden behind a mask. In today’s open times, these masks are a novelty and a joy
to watch during carnivals, not a cause for worry as it was during medieval
times.

Many people around the world collect Venetian masks, especially
antique masks that have survived the centuries. These are valued and treasured
by collectors the world over. Famous auction houses hold Venetian mask auctions
that are always well attended. The monetary value of a mask, even a new one,
depends on its design, its styling, its materials and the quality and value of
the gemstones and precious metal that’s used on it. Venetian masks are loved for
their mystique, their beauty and the intrigue of the anonymity they offer while
adding glamour and beauty to one’s personage.